First Nations mental health and wellbeing support
30 Aug 2023
This year, Australia will hold a referendum to decide whether to change the Constitution to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (the Voice).
The Voice would be an independent and permanent advisory body.
It would give advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The national conversation on the Voice in Australia might negatively affect the mental health and wellbeing of some First Nations peoples.
People will have different opinions about the Voice, which could lead to difficult conversations with family, friends and colleagues.
Sadly too, some people will express racist or negative views about First Nations peoples on social media and other channels. These conversations may cause additional stress for some people.
It’s important to know there is support available during this time.
Here is a list of free mental health and wellbeing services and supports for First Nations peoples. A selection of these services and supports are also listed below.
First Nations mental health and wellbeing services and supports
Services and supports
13YARN
Phone: 13 92 76
24/7 crisis line run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Free and confidential service available from any mobile or pay phone.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical services
Find a health and medical service near you.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Medical Services operate in all states and territories in Australia, delivering a wide variety of culturally appropriate health care to the community.
iBobbly
The iBobbly app is available on IOS and the Google Play store.
Free social and emotional wellbeing self-help app for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over who are feeling sad and down, might be having thoughts of hurting themselves and have access to a Smartphone or Tablet/iPad and data for downloading. For more information, see the Black Dog Institute website.
Information and resources
Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia
National peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (NACCHO)
National peak body representing 145 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across the country on Aboriginal health and wellbeing issues.
National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research
The National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research have developed evidence-based factsheets about the mental health and wellbeing of First Nations peoples in the lead up to the Voice referendum. There are five factsheets about how to support First Nations peoples during the referendum, tailored to different audiences including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, non-Indigenous people and health service providers.
The Healing Foundation
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that provides a platform to amplify the voices and lived experience of Stolen Generations survivors and their families.
WellMob
Online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander frontline health and wellbeing workers. Includes websites, apps, podcasts, videos, helplines, social media and online programs with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing.
Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP)
Australia’s leading voice on Indigenous suicide. Promotes evidence-based suicide prevention practice that impowers individuals, families and communities and respects their culture.
R U OK?
For stories and practical tips to help support others and ask your mob, in your way, R U OK?
Reporting racism and staying safe online
Australian Human Rights Commission
Find information on reporting racism you have experienced or witnessed.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra)
Find information on what to do if you have concerns about a health practitioner.
eSafety Commissioner
Find resources about staying safe online.
Learn more about the referendum
You can learn more about the referendum on the:
